The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-07-30

things as dress, am sure, and can
afford to be Indifferent to their fool
ish talk-you who have so much else
to think Of"
"But do mind it," the girl cried
vehemently. "It hurts me to the
very quick. l don't mind telling you
this, Blanche, for believe you are
my friend; but, do you know, I'd
willingly give up most of the prizes
| expect, to be decently dressed, and
know that Ounce, Edith Linton,
wouldn't be able TO sneer at me. Oh,
of course, Pm ashamed to feel so.
and L see you are ashamed of me for
saying it, but it's a truth, neverthe-
less"
Blanche sat almost astounded at
this revelation. She who had be-
lieYed that people who possessed tai
ent lived habitually in lofty regions,
where such petty things as dress
never intruded. It-was the first time
her friend had ever spoken of her
personal feelings in such matters,
and she was confounded at the reYe-
tation.
II never thought-I never dream
ed you were hurt by such feelings.
she stammered.
"Why, they are constant pin
pricks, and often make me cross and
irritable. 1 shall be obliged to en-
dure the same vexation wherever l
go. OF one thing L am certain a
poor teacher won't be expected to
dress like rich people," she added,
bitterly.
"We're such intimate friends, you
know" Blanche said, hesitatingly,
"and we are about the same size,
Now, why can't you wear one of my
dresses that evening ?'
Alga put her hands over her
friends mouth. Don't say any
more, Blanche. [ know / am very
foolish. but my dear mother has
given me some lessons of indepen-
dence that 1 can't forget. My dear,
l don't think it would mend matters
for me to show myself ashamed OF
my clothes by Haunting in borrowed
finery. l only wish poor mamma
had been able to get me few yards
of lace a muslin friIl looks so cheap
and dowdy. You see Pm cursed with
taste for delicate toilet accessories" !"
II wish you'd let me help you,"
Blanche sighed.
"You do help me-" Alga cried,
throwing her arms around hel
friends neck. Your friendship gives
me better opinion of girls. and
helps my better nature; but you
shan't help my frivolous, groveling
tastes. It's all over now, Blanche y
raising her bright face, where not a
shadow remained, my dark hour
has passed. 1 had become demoral.
lied by dress talk and spitefulness
but 'I'ye weakened to my mercies.'
as good old Nanny Dinah used to
say. It's among my 'marcies' that
kind Uncle John has given me ar
education, and my grubling is ovel
until / get back home and begin tC
practice the minor economies az
Prof. Allen calls Them"
This was brave talk, put Blanche
who was a silent observer. and in 6
little way a philosopher, noticed thai
as the eventful day drew near, Algs
grew very grave, and was often fool
ishly irritable. If by any chance she
came upon little knot of girls dis.
cussing dress, she would turn from
them with flushed face; her SHARP
wit was unsparingly used on hel
companions, and, of course inspired
in them feeling OF intense dislike
They whispered to each other tina
she was so cross and envious tha
they hated the very sight of her, anC
hoped she would lose the prizes.
She did not. however. She tool
them with defiant air, so unlike
her usual calm dignity that her teach
ers started with surprise. A few
hours before the evening exercises
Blanche, who was alone with her
said: "You are not yourself, Alga
What is the matter with you? Yol
are also nervous. Pm almost afraiC
you'll break down this evening""
81 shouldn't be surprised if l did,
she answered gloomily. "When
am angry 1 lose my memory, and /
1 forget word of the poem l an
sure then to become so confused thai
I shall make failure. Oh, you dom
know all that 1 have undergone; tht
hidden taunts and insults that have
met me at every turn. A fright
full thing with hideous motto that
won't repeat. Do you know, Blanche
I've great mind to go to bed anC
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